Best Time to Visit Mustang

July 11, 2019

The name “Mustang” is derived from the Tibetan word meaning, “Plain of Aspiration”. Mustang Trekking is one of the most visited areas for trekking. And is listed as one of the best destinations in Nepal. Mustang is an ancient kingdom which lies on the Tibetan Plateau touching the border of Pakistan, which adopts the tallest mountains; Annapurna and Dhaulagiri with the elevation of 8000 meters above the sea level. Mustang district is the largest protected area of Nepal which falls inside the Annapurna Conservation Area. Annapurna Conservation Area Project looks over the developmental status of the Mustang. Strict regulations of tourists here have implemented for maintaining Tibetan traditions. And the best part of this place is that it lies in the 2500 meters of elevation which makes the temperature really cool and chilling. Mustang is just perfect if you want to relax in or explore the deepest nooks of the Himalayas.

Highlights of Mustang

Filled with rocky plateau, golden terrain and the valley that lies in the midst of mountains surrounded; Mustang has lots of fascinating things that attracts numerous people to this place. The melody of nature present here is just soul soothing. And among them, Muktinath Temple, the sky caves, Lo Manthang, Tiji Festival, and Tibetan Buddhist culture are some of the examples that aspire trekkers to visit this valley of mysterious beauty.

Muktinath has its own fan base that has because of which people from all across Nepal or outside Nepal come to visit it when they are in Mustang. It is said the bathing in the waters from 108 cow’s head spigots here guarantees salvation after death. It is also famous for its cold springs, Vishnu temple, ancient fossils, and Jwalamai (Goddess of Fire) Temple and natural gas jets that provide Muktinath’s famous eternal flame.

Lo Manthang is the capital of Mustang (Lo) which simmers in the midst of barren land. After you enter this place you feel like you have loosened the connections with reality and came to the land of fantasies.

Since Mustang is the only place left who still practices Tibetan Buddhist culture, the local residents have practiced it the same way it was originated, nothing has changed for them.

The Tiji festival is a three-day long festival where people perform this ritual followed by different myths. This festival is done in the hope of Peace in the world. It is a great occasion where Buddhist monks from the Choedhe monastery of Lo Manthang organize and perform all the ritual dancing.

There are lots of things that make Mustang a great tourist destination in the world of adventurers.

Geography of Mustang

Located in the northwest of Nepal, Mustang is rich in natural vegetation. Geographically, this cold high-altitude steppe is a part of the Tibetan highlands which has an average elevation of 2500 meters from the sea level. Elevation of the district ranges from 1640m in nearby Kopchepani to 7061m in Nilgiri, which is North above from the sea level. In Jomsom, the lower part of Mustang, it receives an average rainfall of 260mm every year. There are two divisions made of Mustang. They are the Upper Mustang and Lower Mustang.

The well-known Kali Gandaki river lies here too which is also known as the “World’s Deepest Canyon”. The source of it collides with the Tibetan border and the Ganges – Brahmaputra watershed divide. It is also the part of the main attraction for tourism among the trekkers which lures them from each and every corner of the world.

Spring and it’s difficulties

In Nepal, Spring starts from the month of March and lasts to the late days of the month of May. The average temperature of Mustang in the spring has been recorded to be 17 degrees at the broad daytime and reaches 7 to 9 degrees at the night. The crystal-clear skies with partial clouds floating, the rivers, sparkling and glowing with rage and the lands and trees being covered up again with grasses and flowers in Mustang is quite a scene to admire in spring. Even the National flower Rhododendron blossoms in the spring in this region. The weather is just favorable for the trekkers to go trekking to the upper Mustang in the spring because the trails are snow free and have warm weather. Spring also is the time for the Tiji Festival and if you’re planning to visit Mustang, go for the spring season.

As every beautiful thing has its own difficulties to obtain Mustang has it too. In the spring the difficulties that you likely face are the problems of altitude sickness. And if you don’t have experience in trekking, you’ll surely get exhausted. The most difficult thing about this season is that you’ll face lots of crowds than the other season which might just ruin the peaceful lonesome moments.

Summer (Monsoon) and it’s difficulties

Many of you have thought about visiting Mustang at the time of Summer after the spring ends in May and when summer blooms. But in the Summertime, Mustang receives a good amount of rainfall which could be troublesome for the trekkers and again, there is this temperature rising in Summer which is also another loathing part. And there might be issues with flight delays also due to rainfall. Mostly in monsoon, the skies are covered up with dark clouds. But what’s good about the monsoon is that you won’t be bothered by the insects or any parasites.

But despite everything the trails are still favorable because the lands are not slippery or muddy, neither are there any chances of landslides so it’s still an ongoing path to trek on.

Autumn and it’s difficulties

The month of September and November is the months of Autumn. Monsoon has gone now and the skies are clear blue. The weather is just windy and those gentle breezes just flip your hair without any effort just like in the movies. In this season the wonderful sights of the landscapes are just heartwarming and the fresh air just passes by the tip of your nose. Autumn is the perfect time for sightseeing of animals and birds in the Mustang region.

As you don’t have to be equipped with any additional gears, Autumn is just good enough for trekking and enjoying the beauty of nature. Winding back to the vintage 15^th century where time hasn’t lapsed at all.

Winter and it’s difficulties

Finally, the winter, when the land gets covered up with the cozy layers of snow and the lifeforms dives to the deepest oceans of sleep. The trails are free of crowds and hassles, just perfect enough for the wanderers who loves the company of silence and nature. Although the few numbers of tea shops are open if you find one. And you’ll be served with warm blankets, hot waters and a comfortable bed to spend the nights.

But the difficulties of going to Mustang between December to February is that the average temperature in the daytime is 5 degrees. Dropping down below 0 degrees at the nights. Another is the problem of trials getting blocked by heavy snowfalls. Lodging and foods can be difficult at this season.

Tips for traveling to Mustang

• Be aware of your physical stability and stamina because even if its shorter in comparison to other treks, steep and a rigid path could be exhausting to some limits.
• If you want to enjoy the Tiji and Horse festivals, you should be well prepared about the dates it occurs because every year the dates keep changing.
• Schedule your trip with some additional days because you might face problems relating to the flight delays, climatic reasoning, and many more.

Conclusion

Each and every season have their cons and pros so you must be wise enough to choose what’s on your favor. Precise planning and schedule should be made and also be aware of any kind of misfortune. And we are here for your help, feel free to contact us for your trip. As we will lead you with the excellence in your journey of a lifetime with a new kind of memories to preserve. Himalayan Holyland Treks & Expedition has everything managed for you all we lack is your participation. Be on time and we assure you with a wonderful trek to the place where time has frozen and is out of reach with the outer world but still has everything in its favor.